Position Description
About the H arris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO):
The Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) is one of the largest public defender offices in the nation, employing more than 350 professionals, including over 200 attorneys. Our office provides client-centered, holistic representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses in Harris County through interdisciplinary teams that include attorneys, investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, psychologists, client advocates, paralegals, and administrative professionals. HCPDO is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and advancing excellence in indigent defense through client-centered representation and interdisciplinary advocacy.
Position Overview:
The Immigration Division supports defense counsel in identifying and addressing potential immigration consequences related to a client's criminal case. The Paralegal supports this work by coordinating immigration referrals, gathering immigration histories from clients and their families, accessing relevant records and immigration systems, and assisting the Division with case-related and administrative needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsible for handling all aspects of assigned duties, including but not limited to:
- Manage intake of immigration referral requests from defense counsel for advisal memoranda assignment.
- Process referrals in the case management system.
- Communicate with clients and/or client family members to obtain immigration histories.
- Act as a liaison between defense counsel and the Immigration Division Chief.
- Accompany Immigration Specialists to the jail to communicate with clients, when necessary.
- Assist Immigration Specialists in obtaining client immigration histories.
- Navigate the Harris County District Clerk's website to access public information.
- Communicate with Harris County Sheriff's Office Central Records Sergeants to obtain ICE detainers, when necessary.
- Connect clients and client family members with local nonprofit immigration legal service resources.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
- An Associates degree or higher in Paralegal Studies from an accredited college or university and
- Relevant experience.
OR
- Paralegal Certificate and
- Relevant experience.
OR
- Bachelor’s degree in legal support services/legal studies from an accredited college or university and
- Relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Organizes and prioritizes multiple projects simultaneously to maintain a high level of productivity.
- Meets and prioritizes deadlines.
- Makes effective and efficient use of time in carrying out responsibilities.
- Is familiar with and adheres to established rules for professional conduct.
- Willing to learn new duties, approaches, and routines.
- Communicates with persons inside and outside of the organization in a prompt, positive, and professional manner.
- Recognizes public service as a high calling.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but
ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
- Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting attorneys in the area of removal defense.
- Experience and knowledge of immigration law/removal defense.
- Knowledge of immigration-related agencies and use of portals such as EOIR, USCIS, and the ICE detainee locator.
- Self-starter able to work independently without supervision.
- Proactively seeks additional duties and responsibilities.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Regular Full-time
- Monday Friday | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Salary:
- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 pay periods
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
